Minimally Invasive Tubal Sterilization

Minimally invasive surgery is changing all kinds of procedures. It reduces scarring, trauma, blood loss, and the need for pain medication. Recovery is far faster and easier, usually just a couple weeks.

At Women’s Health Medical Group, we use minimally invasive methods when possible when performing tubal sterilization for our patients.

What is Tube Sterilization?

It may seem obvious, but sterilization is a form of birth control; sterilization procedures are intended to be permanent. The idea is to close, cut, or block the woman’s fallopian tubes.

What Are The Options For Sterilization?

We can do this with a handful of methods. Here we’re discussing the minimally invasive surgery called laparoscopic tubal ligation, where the tubes are tied or cut. Otherwise, the tubes can also be sealed with electric current, or they can be closed with clips, clamps, or rings. Sometimes a small piece of the tube may be removed.

How is Tube Sterilization Performed?

When you produce your monthly egg in your ovaries, the egg is released, and it passes through the fallopian tubes heading toward the uterus. Blocking or cutting the tubes blocks the eggs from reaching the uterus so they cannot be fertilized.

First, you will be anesthetized with either local or general anesthesia based on your situation. Next, your abdomen is inflated with an injection of CO² gas. This gives us a better view of your organs. We then make a small cut near your navel and insert a laparoscope (an instrument with a fiber optic camera on end) to locate your fallopian tubes. Then, depending on the method of tying or cutting the tubes that we agreed upon, we insert the instrument needed for that task, sometimes through a small second incision. The procedure is very easy, takes only 20-30 minutes, and you return home the same day.

Are There Risks to Tube Sterilization?

Sterilization in the vast majority of patients is effective and thoroughly safe. In rare cases, the tubes can reconnect themselves.

The biggest risk is an ectopic pregnancy. This is a pregnancy that develops in a fallopian tube. This is very serious and can be life threatening, but it is rare.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’re interested in tubal sterilization, we can make the surgery very easy to tolerate. Contact the team at Women’s Health Medical Group, 817-346-5336, to make an appointment.